Question
Hi Dr. Katz,  I've written you several times concerning my left foot.  I have a severe deformed foot due to multiple surgeries.  I have a hammer toe on my left great toe and this past winter I decided to not have the fusion and the metatarsal heads removed in my foot by an orthopedic surgeon, so I had my Pod attempt to relieve some pain by removing the sesamoid bone.  This might spark your memory as to who I am.  I went to see a different Pod about 3 weeks ago and he told me the same thing.  I will eventually need the great toe fused along with taking out the metatarsal bones in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th toes. I would need this done to straighten them up and relieve painful pressure points on the fatty pad part of my foot (not sure what the medical term is for that).  Anyhow, when I went to see Dr. Russell he took impressions of my feet to see if orthotics might help me till I have to other surgery done.  I forgot to ask him if they will still be able to fuse my toe since the sesamoid bone is gone.  What do you think?

Thank you!  

Answer
Hi Ellen,

Yes, I certainly remember.

The answer is yes.  A fusion of the toe can be done without the sesamoid bones present.  In some cases you can avoid the fusion by removing the base of the toe bone and lengthening the tendon.

Bottom-line, there are several options.

Orthotics are good choice.

Good luck and I hope all goes well.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com
www.fix-my-foot.com